Sustainable Solutions

MISSION

KLMCS is committed to providing the most applicable technology for solving ground water problems. Our Clients are assured of complete dedication to accurate collection of relevant data, presentation of information and of performing cost-effective analysis, so as to increase knowledge, meet their needs and improve their profitability.

VISION

Our services include ground water resource assessment; mine dewatering design and application; ground water supply; pollution control and remediation.

Emphasis is on using tried and tested techniques developed by KLMCS, so as to reduce costs and improve ground water control and utilization. Techniques developed on mining projects are transferred to development projects in remote areas. KLMCS recognizes the need to achieve a balance between industrial development and environmental responsibility. Our vision is to continue serving the mining, energy and industrial sector, providing feasible, environmentally sound solutions and expanding our services to include the implementation of remedial techniques as required.

Expertise

KLMCS areas of expertise are:

Mine dewatering design

Groundwater resource development and management

Environmental impact assessment

Development of conceptual and numerical models

Remediation design

Director

Water, Sustainability and Mining Strategist

Pragmatic, specialist, advisor on reducing the cost of water to business. Expert mining hydrologist and consulting hydrogeologist. Passionate about the economic beneﬁts of sustainability. Board advisor on growth and innovation. Long term board contributor.

Water Supply for Three mines in Botswana (De Beers)

A ground water investigation was done to discover a new aquifer for the supply of 12 Mm³/yr of water for new and existing mines in Botswana. A radius of 50km around the central mine was mapped
and trial pumped. The aquifer now has 7 wellfields and has supplied around 12 Mm³/yr of good quality water for 30 years.

Mine dewatering design for lead/zinc mine Namibia

The mine occupies an arid area (rainfall is 2mm/yr) but penetrates a limestone aquifer. KLMCS did geological mapping and hydrogeological characterisation using test pumping boreholes and establishing a monitoring network. Numerical modelling predicted inflows of over 100 000 m³/yr with a required dewatering rate of 50m per quarter to match the mine schedule. A combined in-pit and pit perimeter dewatering ring was designed to meet the mine’s cash flow.

Mine dewatering and water management strategy for Iron ore mines in the Pilbara, Western Australia

When approached for advice the pits were under water and losing US$500k/day. KLMCS identified the sources of the water and adapted the management strategy to ensure the water was intercepted before reaching the pit and that water levels were kept 9m below pit bottom at all times. A water monitoring network was designed, telemetised and dash boarded to ensure accurate water control. Once the first mine was changed to meet the new strategy KLMCS worked on the groups other 12 mines in the area and provided training in water management strategy. All had similar successes.

Storm water control and reduction in water risk for coal mines in Eastern Australia (Gold coast)

The gold coast receives cyclonic rainfall events. The dates and volumes of incoming rainfall can be predicted. KLMCS designed the ground water and storm water dam monitoring network. This was dash boarded and is used to predict the impact of rainfall events. If the ground water and dam levels are low, then the risk of flooding from a storm event is low. This signals a green risk level and no action is required. If the levels are high (above a designated target level) then the mine is warned with code red and the equipment is moved from the pits before the storm event.

Mine dewatering design for deep (>1km) block cave, South Africa

KLMCS are the world leaders in block cave dewatering design. A ten-year research programme led to an accurate dewatering design and the installation of a monitoring system to pre-warn of mud rushes.
The mine was dewatered from 650m underground to 1km using 7 large diameter boreholes drilled with hydraulic raise bore drilling technology. The rig was designed specifically for the cage and tunnel dimensions. A monitoring network was installed using automatic water pressure recorders in dedicated core holes located in dolomite compartments.

Slope Stability dewatering inputs for diamond mine in Botswana

Working with the geotechnical teams of the group a slope dewatering and depressurisation system was designed to reduce water pressures in the high walls. This reduction in pressure allowed steepening of the high walls with reduced waste stripping and increased profitability.